I am directed to refer to Boards Circular No.
99/2003, dated 27.11.2003 wherein it was stated that the import of measuring
instruments other than standard units of metric system, is not permitted
except under certain conditions specified in Section 23 of Standards of
Weights and Measures Act, 1976. Accordingly, field formations were
requested to ensure that non-standard units of weight or measure (including
these with dual markings), except those permitted by proviso to Section 23 of
the Standards of Weights and Measures Act, 1976, are, on import, either
confiscated absolutely or allowed re-export only.

2.
Now, the Department of Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food
and Public Distribution vide D.O. letter No.WM-9(4)/03, dated 27.5.2004
have informed that the provisions relating to measuring tapes laid down in
the Standards of Weights and Measures (General) Rules,

1987 has been amended to allow
manufacture and verification of measuring tapes with inscription of nonmetric
scales along with the metric scale without mention of non-metric units like
feet or inches. In view of this , the Department of Consumer
affairs has no objection to allow the import of such measuring tapes.

3.
In view of above, all concerned are requested to issue necessary
instruction for compliance .

4. Receipt of this Circular may kindly
be acknowledge.

5. Hindi version will follow.

D. S. Garbyal
Under Secretary to the Government of India
Phone No. 23094182